New Zealand Tightens Security to Welcome Justin Bieber

Learning from the Sydney experience where hundreds of fans became distressed at the hope of meeting the teen sensation, the officials in New Zealand strengthen their forces starting from the airport.

Photo credit: /WENN

Officials in New Zealand have stepped up security ahead of Justin Bieber's visit this week - following chaotic scenes in Australia which led to the cancellation of the star's show in Sydney.

The teen sensation scrapped his only Australian gig after thousands of young fans camped overnight at Sydney Harbour to see their idol perform. The frenzied crowd began to surge, prompting police to cancel the event after "more than 100 teens" became "distressed", according to officials.

The 16 year old will arrive in New Zealand on Wednesday, April 28 to perform a free concert at the Strathallan School in Papakura - and police are making plans to step up security and keep his arrival secret in a bid to prevent a repeat of the scenes in Australia. A spokesperson for Auckland Airport tells the New Zealand Herald newspaper, "We are meeting with police and other airport security tomorrow morning to discuss the issue."

The news comes after officials at another school in the country denied rumors Bieber is planning to perform a secret show there this week. Rumors of a Bieber concert spread among pupils at Diocesan School for Girls in Epsom, but Principal Heather McRae has made a statement to insist the story is not true.